Teeth whitening is a simple yet effective way to get rid of discoloured, stained or dark teeth. Though it cannot change the colour of your teeth completely, it may make the present shade lighter. It is amongst the most popular cosmetic dental procedures as it helps to improve your teeth greatly. Teeth whitening is not a one-time process, it will have to be repeated from time to time to keeping your teeth bright and strong.
Teeth whitening in London is a kind of dentistry that should be performed only by a dentist or trained dental professional, such as a dental hygienist or dental therapist, on the instruction of a dentist.
If you want to have teeth whitening, you will need to make several visits to the dental surgeon for a couple of months. The dentist will create an impression of your teeth to make a mouthguard and instruct you on how to use it with a bleaching gel. You will apply the gel for a specific period, (say two to four weeks) regularly. Some whitening gels can be left for nearly eight hours, which lessens the treatment period to one week.
Another kind of teeth whitening that a dentist can provide is called laser teeth whitening or power whitening. In this process, a bleaching product is painted onto your teeth and a light or laser is applied to them to activate teeth whitening. Laser whitening usually takes nearly an hour to be done.
Your dentist will advise if laser or enlighten teeth whitening is suitable for you. In case you have a toothache or gum disease, then you may not be the right candidate for teeth whitening.
Teeth whitening is not permanent. They may last from a few months to nearly three years, however, this may vary from person to person. The whitening effect will not last as long if you smoke, drink, consume tea or coffee that may cause a stain to your beautiful teeth.
No, teeth whitening will not work on crowns, dentures, fillings or veneers.
You will not experience any discomfort when getting your teeth whitened by the dentist. Some people find their teeth and gums become more sensitive during the treatment, however, you should use toothpaste particularly made for sensitive teeth to stop this. In rare cases, the teeth may become very sensitive during the treatment, but when the bleaching is stopped; your teeth will soon recover to normal.
Despite the treatment you choose, there is a possibility that your gums may become sensitive to certain chemicals used. However, teeth whitening can be considered a safe procedure and the bleaching agent used is equally safe for teeth and gums.